One of the oldest known Alpine passes, used since antiquity between the Maurienne valley and Italian Piedmont, leads to a vast reservoir lake set above 2,000 m.
A short, sustained climb to 2,081 metres
From Lanslebourg, the road climbs 9.9 km for 686 m of elevation gain, averaging 6.9%, with a steeper section reaching 13.6%. The uneven gradient alternates sustained sections with short flatter stretches.
A Napoleonic pass facing a reservoir lake
Turned into a carriage road under Napoleon in the early 19th century to link France with the Kingdom of Italy, the pass opens at the summit onto Lac du Mont-Cenis, an artificial reservoir over 3 km long surrounded by border peaks.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset is recommended for the steepest section, which reaches close to 14% in places. Photochromic sunglasses are useful against the strong glare reflected off the lake at the summit.
When to go
June to September, as the road is generally clear during this window, with the pass topping out above 2,000 m.
Good to know
Termignon, downhill from the pass, is the starting point for the Vanoise National Park, while the Italian descent towards Susa allows the climb to be extended beyond the border.
